Focusing on the future.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"I didn't know how to tell you," I said softly. "It wasn't something I hid on purpose. I was afraid of how the academy might react if they found out I was pregnant. I wasn't sure if they would still accept me." Dwayne's expression grew somber, his eyes filled with a mixture of understanding and disappointment.

"Even me?" His voice was calm but carried a weight that made me feel small. "Arielle, we are friends. I know I have no right to demand anything from you, but you could've at least told me. I'd never rat you out, not if you were afraid of that."

I looked down, "I'm sorry. I really did think of telling you, but... I didn't know how you'd react. And honestly, what could you have done? You're not a doctor, and you're not a woman who can relate to pregnancy."

He shook his head gently, his voice unwavering. "You don't give me enough credit. I would've done anything to help you. You know I would've been there for you. Hell, I wouldn't have even gone on that trip if I knew." He paused, a small sigh escaping his lips. "What would you have done if I had already boarded that plane?"

The thought sent a chill through me. I hadn't let myself consider it before, how isolated I truly was without my family nearby. If Dwayne hadn't been there... I would've been helpless.

"You're right," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I really don't know what I would've done. I'm sorry..."

He let out a small breath, the tension between us lifting slightly. "It's fine," he said, offering me a reassuring smile. "But honestly, how did you even manage to keep a pregnancy hidden for nine months?"

I chuckled, relieved at his change in tone. "Tummy wraps, flowy dresses, all sorts of tricks to conceal the bump. I couldn't risk losing the scholarship."

"Women are something else," he said, his eyes widening in disbelief. "I give it to you."

our moment. "Come in," I called, my

him over and he's perfectly healthy," she said with a kind smile, before turning to Dwayne. "He's

down at the tiny bundle, his eyes

him with such tenderness, stirred something deep inside me. It wasn't a comparison-I hadn't

didn't feel the sharp

something Thadn't expected: peace. There was no anger, no lingering sadness. Just a strange calmness. Maybe, just maybe, this child would be happy, even without

had people who loved him, and I

hope swelled within me. This little boy didn't need to be defined by his absent father. He had a future ahead of

"For everything. I don't know

to thank me. You don't owe me anything, Arielle. I'm just glad you and the little guy are

I

gravity. "Careful, don't make promises you don't mean," he

the

he said, giving me a

fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound being the gentle coos from my son. But then, Dwayne's voice broke through, softer now.

something I've been meanine

g to ask.

was measured, as though carefully weighing his words. "Can we

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255